Archives for “library” tag

Antwerp hosts many libraries, some of them practical, some big, some renowned and some of them are not accessible for public visits. The Nottebohm Library is one of those closed libraries. Only once or twice a year the public is allowed to have a peek at its rich and beautiful content.

Once I was lucky enough to enter the library and view it in its full glory. I was amazed by the massive old books stored there (over 35 km if placed next to each other) and this all in a great historic room. It opens occasionally – check the website for opening weekends. It’s definitely worth a visit.

More pictures here – full screen

On one of the most challenging squares of Antwerp, in 2005 the city council decided to remodel an old car workshop into the new city library. If you ask me, it’s a very nice example of urban renewal. Of course, a library is about lending books and returning them. But you can do more here. First of all, enter the building and imagine this giant hall used to be a place where cars were fixed.

Go up the staircase where you can find the English books. Also on the first floor find yourself a seat in of the comfortable chairs to read a newspaper or a magazine. If you want to read or write in silence you can sit in the quiet room. Downstairs there is a nice selection of comic books, cd’s, dvd’s and magazines. And if you want to check your mail or your Facebook, you can do it here.

In front of the library there is a café called “Kubus” in a beautiful glass building. After I get myself a new selection of books, I like to have a coffee here and start reading. The whole of Antwerp passes by here so this is an excellent place for people watching.